Jenkinson Lake, Sly Park, Eldorado National Forest, California

Sly Park Camping

Eldorado National Forest

Mileages From Sacramento

  • Placerville - 44 miles
  • Crystal Basin - 82 miles
  • Wrights Lake - 87 miles
  • Twin Bridges - 85 miles
  • Echo Summit - 92 miles
  • S. Lake Tahoe - 103 miles




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Sly Park Camping and Jenkinson Lake

Sly Park is located about 5½ miles south of Pollock Pines off Highway 50. The main attraction of the area is Jenkinson Lake. Both the lake and the campground are operated by the Eldorado Irrigation District (EID). The lake and campground are open year-round for both day use and camping. Hiking and equestrian trails circle the lake and lead off into the Eldorado National Forest.

Jenkinson Lake covers 640 acres. It has two boat launch ramps and a small marina with boat rentals. The lake is popular for fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, sailing, and most other kinds of boating. Jet skis are not allowed on the lake.

map of Sly Park Camping at Jenkinson Lake, CA

Sly Park Campground - Eldorado Irrigation District

The Eldorado Irrigation District operates 8 campgrounds at Jenkinson Lake with a total of 191 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ. Piped water is available at all the campgrounds along with vault toilets. Reservations can be made up to 14 months in advance. Family campsites hold up to 8 people. Premium waterfront sites allow boats to be beached close to campsites.

There are also a number of group camps and an equestrian camp, Black Oak Equestrian Area. Sly Park is open for day use . There are boat rentals and swimming.

Photo of Jenkinson Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Reservations: Sly Park Reservations

Group Areas

Most group areas can accomodate 50 people, while Area 4, a walk-in tents only camp, holds 30 people. Read details at Sly Park Group Areas.

Black Oak Equestrian Camp

  • Located on the western end of the lake
  • Only for campers with horses, 9 miles of equestrian trails
  • 13 individual campsites ($50 per night) or reserve the whole area as a group site that can accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles
  • Some corrals and hitching posts
  • Black Oak Equestrian Camp

For dy use fee information, see Sly Park 2023 Day Use Fees

Sly Park Resort

4782 Sly Park Road, Pollock Pines, CA
(530) 409-1328   Sly Park Resort
Located near Jenkinson Lake
Resort Amenities: Country Store, Bar and Grill, Beer Garden, Gas Station, RV Campground

RV Campground

  • Full hook-ups, 30 amp
  • Wooded sites, horseshoe pits
  • Bathrooms and showers

Rates: $65 per day

Capps Crossing Group Campground

Located 10 miles from Jenkinson Lake on Mormon Emigrant Trail and then 7 additional miles on North-South Road. The camp is next to the North Fork of the Cosumnes River. If the campsite is not reserved by a group, then the 8 individual sites can be used as regular family campsites, first come, first served. The campground is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. It is at 5,200 feet.

Campground Amenities

  • One group campsite for tent or RV for 40 people, vault toilets, piped water
  • Picnic tables, grills, fire rings
  • Group kitchen area

Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or
Recreation.gov - Capps Crossing Group Campground
Fees: $165 per night for groups, $28 per night for single sites